Long flight? Summer Music Series returns to ECP in July to 'rekindle joy of traveling'

Ebonee Burrell, The News Herald
·2 min read

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is bringing back its Wheels Up Summer Music Series for a second year to celebrate the joy of traveling to area beaches.

Wheels Up will feature live performances from local musicians offering a fun surprise for passengers traveling through the airport on Saturdays in July.

The ECP Wheels Up Summer Music Series returns in July for a second year at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Gene Mitchell will perform July 2 and July 9.
The ECP Wheels Up Summer Music Series returns in July for a second year at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Gene Mitchell will perform July 2 and July 9.

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“Passengers may notice airports and airlines alike are working hard to rekindle the joy of traveling by offering better food and beverage options or more in-flight entertainment options,” said Parker McClellan, ECP executive director. “At ECP, we are bringing back the ECP Wheels Up Summer Music Series as an extension of ECP Perks customer appreciation efforts.”

The performances — featuring a mix of country, pop and rock — will take place at the airport’s terminal near the TSA security checkpoints.

The ECP Wheels Up Summer Music Series returns in July for a second year at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Christon Birge will perform July 16 and July 23.
The ECP Wheels Up Summer Music Series returns in July for a second year at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Christon Birge will perform July 16 and July 23.

Here’s a look at the lineup:

July 2 — Gene Mitchell, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 9 — Gene Mitchell and Bryan Whitley, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 16 and 23 — Christon Birge, noon to 3 p.m.

July 30 — Chris Alvarado, noon to 3 p.m.

The ECP Wheels Up Summer Music Series returns in July for a second year at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Chris Alvarado will perform July 30.
The ECP Wheels Up Summer Music Series returns in July for a second year at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Chris Alvarado will perform July 30.

The concerts are designed to celebrate the airport’s Super Summer Weekends and are geared toward travelers who might use the time between flights to enjoy live music. McClellan said the goal is to revitalize the joy of traveling after the restrictions brought about by the COVID pandemic.

“We are always seeking ways to elevate the passenger experience at ECP,” McClellan said. “Our passenger activity levels over the past year tell a positive story — one of optimism and an eagerness for travel. The ECP Wheels Up Summer Music Series is one of the ways we thank our passengers for choosing our airport.”

For more information on ECP's music series, visit www​.ifly​beach​es​.com.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Live Music Series returns to Bay County airport on Saturdays in July